Mimi Falls
The short half-hour hike to Mimi Falls is a peaceful journey through a variety of landscapes. Full of surprise vistas, the Mimi Falls trail meanders through a forested area where cows graze among the trees, along the edge of a canyon, and across peaceful grasslands before delivering hikers to their final destination – Mimi Falls. In the spring, when the water is running high, the sound of the falls fills the valley all around the trail area. Nobody seems to know why they are called Mimi Falls, but whatever the reason the falls are a lovely place to escape to without having to travel too far away from town.
Meadow Creek, the source of the falls, runs from east to west, starting around the Walloper Lake area. It winds lazily past the ranches in the Highland Valley, parallel to the Meadow Creek Road (Highway 97D). Running along the ridge high above the golf course, Meadow Creek joins Guichon Creek near the Mamit Lake Road (Highway 97C) and the Logan Lake Ranch and Country Club.
Whether you start up high on the path near the church on Linden Road, or from a lower trail by the lake, you will pass gigantic Ponderosa pine trees, spruce trees, and even young juniper. Aside from cattle, and depending on the season, it is not unheard of to encounter black bears, wild horses, lynx, deer, owls and numerous species of birds, and possibly even a cougar. As with any wilderness experience, being aware of your surroundings is imperative, even though it is so close to town. These creatures all make their way into Logan Lake from time to time.
Upon leaving the forested area, a grassy clearing opens up and the roar of the falls becomes louder. With few visible signs of humans, it's not hard to imagine someone like George Dawson, from the Geological Survey of Canada, travelling some of these same game trails by pack train as he mapped the area in the 1870's. Dawson, and others on similar journeys, would travel and map the areas searching for potential railway routes, taking side journeys to gather geological samples and assess different sites for their mining and agricultural potential. Along the way, they may have met trappers, homesteaders, and groups of local natives. Or, perhaps they may have been alone for days at a time.
In those days, before GPS units, navigation routes were charted using a compass and the stars. Maps were minimal, improving each time Dawson, or someone like him, carefully surveyed the area. The treasures they sought were trade routes, geological formations that could possibly lead to ore deposits, plant and animal surveys, and observations of local cultures.
Walking along the quiet path towards Mimi Falls, it is important to recognize, and be grateful for, the legacy the early explorers like Dawson left for us.
Nearest Community: Logan Lake B.C.
Access and restrictions: Read site page for further directions.
1 hr walk from parking. Parts of trial are marked with ribbon.
Parking Advice: Park on Jasper Drive just beyond the church on the hill.
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